Silent zone around Dhaka airport | “Silent Zone” initiative launched in Dhaka airport area to reduce noise pollution

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said today that a phased approach will be taken to resolve the persistent problem of noise pollution caused by horns.

Speaking at an event at the Civil Aviation Authority headquarters in Dhaka, she stressed that public awareness would be the first step, followed by strict enforcement of laws.

The three-kilometre area around Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport was declared a ‘quiet zone’ during the event to make the area horn-free.

“Initially, the initiative will focus on key areas, then expand to the entire Dhaka city, and eventually, divisional cities will also implement measures to reduce noise pollution,” she explained.

“My vehicle does not use a horn and I hope other drivers will be encouraged to do the same,” she added.

The renewal of driving licenses will include a condition prohibiting honking, with an initial fine of Tk500 for violators. Although the errors will be examined in October and November, strict enforcement of fines will begin in December, the councilor said.

The advisor highlighted the serious impact of noise pollution on public health, citing its contribution to heart disease, high blood pressure and neurological problems.

She noted that continuous honking in Dhaka also diminishes people’s hearing ability, and that the “Silent Zone” program represents an important step in combating these problems.

Key figures at the event included Nasrin Jahan, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Tapan Kumar Biswas, additional secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; Dr Abdul Hamid, Director General of the Ministry of Environment; and Air Vice Marshal Md Manzur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh.

Representatives of various organizations including Civil Aviation Authority, Dhaka North City Corporation, BRTA and Bangladesh Air Force were also present at the event.

The event also included a gathering led by the advisor, with the participation of NGOs, students, journalists and professionals.